``We have yet to reach an agreement because of differencesin assessing the value of assets,'' Lee Chol Hwi said yesterdayin an interview in Seoul. ``We have been seeking to buy asignificant amount, but a deal may be difficult at this rate.''

Sept. 4 (Bloomberg) -- Sales of distressed Miami propertieshave begun, signaling a bottom for south Florida's real estatemarket and the end of waiting for vulture funds armed with about$30 billion to spend.

Neither of the above news items is decisive but it is good news to see valuations have begun to attract interest from folks with dry powder. Actual buyers of distressed assets will draw competitors afraid to miss the bottom.